DLNR fires officer convicted of sex assault

The Department of Land and Natural Resources has fired a conservation enforcement officer after he was convicted of sexually assaulting a 16-year-old girl.

Ethan Ferguson, 40, of Hilo was terminated Monday after a jury on Feb. 22 found him guilty of two counts of second-degree sexual assault and three counts of fourth-degree sexual assault.

He was hired as a conservation enforcement officer in June 2013 despite being fired for misconduct by the Honolulu Police Department. The department also recommended DLNR not hire Ferguson.

The assault occurred at Lalakea Beach Park on Jan. 1, 2016. Ferguson was charged with the offenses and placed on administrative leave.

Ferguson remains free on bail pending his Apr. 24 sentencing.

Improvements were made by the Division of Conservation and Resources Enforcement to vet new hires, including extensive background and reference checks.